Ella Bella

Today,  Lara sent a picture of little Ella in a beautiful hat and scarf Ella's grandmother Elaine knitted.  I have to have the directions for the hat.  The picture also got me to thinking of how all of the grandchildren had such special memories of Peaches.  Lara told me about Peaches teaching her to climb the railing, on the house on Walton Circle, up to the mailbox.  When she was little it seemed to be so very tall, and she was so proud to be able to do it.  Peaches would encourage the children in all kinds of things. 

In the eighth grade, Lara had to bring in a recipe, and the food, for a project.  That was right up Peaches' alley.  They put together a delicious chicken cordon bleu type meal. Peaches made up the recipe, and named the dish "Chicken al la Lara". 

Mom was famous for her wonderful parties and fabulous food. One of her best recipes was for "Prune Cake".  When asked for the recipe, she always left out some crucial ingredients, and ladies could never understand why their cake was not as good as Mom's.

Next week is book club, and Peaches Prune Cake is perfect to serve for a large group.

Peaches' Prune Cake:

1 Cup chopped nuts     3 eggs 1 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup Wesson Oil 1 cup buttermilk 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon almond flavoring 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon  1 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon salt   1 cup chopped prunes Mix together Cook at 325  for 1 hour.

• Icing: 1 Tablespoon white Karo 1 cup sugar 1 stick oleo 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon vanilla  Cook 7 minutes
  

This is exactly how Peaches gave this recipe to me in the 70's.  There may be a few who don't know what 'oleo' is, so, ask your Mothers!